All-Star show lives up to its billing for local athletes

Local basketball stars shined bright in front of friends and family at the Louisiana High School Coaches Association All-Star Games in Houma Saturday.

In the girls game, the West team pulled away from the East squad in the second half for an 85-79 victory.

Guard Demetria White of Calvin was named MVP with a game-high 19 points. Her West teammate and Ellender standout Asia Williams chipped in with five points and two rebounds.

“I’m glad we came out on top,” said Williams. “The competition was evenly matched. I like that.”

Williams’ Ellender teammate Deana Allen and Vandebilt Catholic’s Sumar Leslie played for the East.

Leslie led the East team with nine points; Allen scored five points in front of the home crowd.

The game was tied 43-43 at halftime, but the West went on an 11-1 run to start the second half. They trapped the East ball handlers in the backcourt and along the baselines, creating turnovers and getting easy lay-ups.

The West led by as much as 15 points before the East slowly chipped away. Twice within the final five minutes, they got within two but could not catch up. The West squad made key free throws down the stretch while the East missed their shots.

In the boys game, the East All- Stars defeated the West 105-92. Despite being on the losing end, Ellender’s Sterling Jones was named MVP with a game-high 25 points. Jones made the first basket of the game and a buzzer-beater to end the first half.

“I hate losing, but winning the award in my last game in my hometown may be worth it,” said Jones.

Ellender’s Jamal Nixon scored nine points for the West. On the East team, Vandebilt Catholic’s Deshawn Patterson scored nine points and had two crowd-roaring blocks. Ellender’s Chris Duthu scored two points.

For the first 30 minutes, the game swung back-and-forth, each side making runs and gaining decisive leads. After the game was tied at 68, the East outscored the West 35-24.

The East won the game from the three-point line. They made 10-of-21 from behind the arc while the West only hit 3-of 20.

Jamal Nixon of Ellender shoots a free throw in Saturday’s All-Star Game. The West would lose 105-92. * Photo by KEYON JEFF